rough timetable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rough timetable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a preliminary or approximate schedule that is not finalized. Example: "We have a rough timetable for the project, but we may need to adjust it as we progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Obama offers a rough timetable for immigration reform.

The Washington Post

Talks with world powers, said the analyst, are therefore setting a rough timetable.

The Guardian

Mr. Griffin, its administrator, laid out a rough timetable for the goals that President Bush set in 2004.

The New York Times

BEN GREENMAN: When you're satirizing something that has recently received a lot of attention, such as Catherine Millet's book, what's your rough timetable?

The New Yorker

In interviews with Hispanic television networks, Obama, for the first time, gave a rough timetable for an overhaul of immigration policy.

The Washington Post

Planning for a Met season begins more than a year in advance, when Mr. McKenzie provides a list of works and a rough timetable.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Though there are rough timetables for each day's walking lessons, the beauty of Peripateticamp is that we are flexible enough to adapt to what the group needs or wants to see or do.

The Washington Post

Cashman said he had a rough recovery timetable in mind, but he would not reveal it because it could always change after the surgery.

The New York Times - Sports

Obama, of course, has proposed bolder plans — among them universal access to health care for all citizens and an expanded vision of a green economy with a more aggressive timetable (proposals that may have rough sledding during a historic recession).

The New York Times - Books

The vessel was supposed to be removed before this summer, but the difficulties of drilling holes into granite in 35 feet of water, in addition to an extraordinarily long and rough winter, forced salvage workers to modify the original timetable.

The New York Times

A few years ago when the world was in a downward economic spiral, the timetable might be a tad shorter, but times are rough these days.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rough timetable", be sure to communicate the level of uncertainty associated with it. Clearly state that it's subject to change and adjustments.

Common error

Avoid treating a "rough timetable" as a definitive plan. Over-reliance on a preliminary schedule can lead to miscommunication and disappointment if adjustments become necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rough timetable" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a schedule or plan that is not yet finalized or precise. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rough timetable" refers to a preliminary or approximate schedule, implying flexibility and potential for change. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While common in news and media, it's advisable to use more precise alternatives like "preliminary schedule" or "estimated timeframe" in formal contexts. Remember to communicate the uncertainty inherent in a "rough timetable" to avoid misinterpretations. Related phrases include "approximate schedule", "tentative timeline", and "projected schedule".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximate schedule

This alternative replaces "rough" with "approximate", emphasizing the inexact nature of the schedule.

preliminary schedule

Using "preliminary" suggests the schedule is in its early stages and subject to change.

tentative timeline

"Tentative" indicates the timeline is not yet firm or decided.

estimated timeframe

This phrase emphasizes the estimation aspect of the time period.

projected schedule

"Projected" implies the schedule is based on current predictions and may be adjusted.

provisional plan

"Provisional" suggests a temporary plan that's open to revision.

initial roadmap

Replaces "timetable" with "roadmap", suggesting a high-level overview of steps and milestones.

working draft timeline

This alternative emphasizes the in-progress nature of the timeline.

preliminary agenda

Using "agenda" changes the context slightly to focus on a list of items to be addressed.

ballpark estimate of time

This is an idiomatic expression emphasizing the approximate nature of the time estimate.

FAQs

What does "rough timetable" mean?

A "rough timetable" indicates a preliminary or approximate schedule that is subject to change. It's not a fixed plan, but rather an initial estimate of when events or tasks are expected to occur.

How can I use "rough timetable" in a sentence?

You might say, "We have a "rough timetable" for the project, but the dates are not yet set in stone".

What are some alternatives to "rough timetable"?

Alternatives include "approximate schedule", "preliminary schedule", or "tentative timeline". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of uncertainty you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "rough timetable" in formal writing?

While "rough timetable" is understandable, in formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "preliminary schedule" or "estimated timeframe" to convey a more professional tone.